Old Fort Erie

Created by Evan Coulis

Observations

The Old Fort in the winter time. It does not look like a fort. It seems low to the ground like there is more underground. From this distance the fort does not appear to be large. There are many windows in the fort. On the right area of the building it looks like aqueducts.

ObservationsThis looks like the front of the fort. It has a large door to enter with protection around it. There are many slits in the walls of the fort. It appears to be on a hill but still hidden. The right side of the fort is visibly ending but the left side of the fort seems to continue on. The true size of the fort is not known. There are chimney stacks on many building. There appears to be a bridge in between the two larger building.

Observations

A corner of the fort. The true size is not known from this angle. Made of stone. Quite large in height. The bricks used are irregular shape and not uniform. Many grassy hills.

Back of the fort. Wooden stakes are used for a wall. Clear cut out in the stone wall. Open windows on the right side of the large building. Small rust stains appear on the wall from small holes.

QuestionsSocial Studies• Why does the Old Fort Erie contribute to the identity and image of Canada?• Does every area of Canada have a fort? Why or why not?• What does the tall statue next to the Old Fort Erie represent? Was it built at the same time?• Why is there a memorials statue next to the Old Fort?• Why was the Old Fort built?• Who built the Old Fort?• Why are there windows in a fort?• Can a fort be used for anything else other than military reasons?• Why doesn’t it look like a fort?• How does the huge ditch help soldiers defend the fort?• Do all communities have forts?• If you map all the forts in Canada, do you notice any patterns?• Do all communities need to have forts?• Why was it important for to a fort built?• Do all forts in Canada look like the Old Fort Erie?• Why do some areas of the wall have stone and others have wooden stakes?• Why was the Old Fort built in Fort Erie?• Do all countries have forts?• Why was the Old Fort built with irregular shape bricks?• From an aerial view, the fort is star-shaped. Why do you think this is?

QuestionsHistory • Were all forts in Canada military establishments?• Why was the Old Fort built in Fort Erie?• Who built the Old Fort?• Why was the Old Fort built?• What does the tall statue next to the Old Fort Erie represent? Was it built at the same time?Geography• Why was it built so close to the water? • Why was the Old Fort built in Fort Erie?Science• Why was the fort made to look flat and small?• How do cannons operate?• Why was it important to build the Old Fort close to the river?• Why is the Old Fort difficult to see from a distance? • What materials are used to build a fort? Why would people use these materials?Math• What are the slits in the Old Fort rectangular and not round?• Why was the Old Fort built into the odd shape it was?• What benefits does the Old Fort have by being built in that shape?• Do other communities build fortification in the same way? What are the differences and similarities? • What are some geometric shapes used in building the Old Fort Erie? Why were the shapes used?• Can you build something with irregular shape bricks?• Why was the Old Fort built with irregular shape bricks?• If you map all the forts in Canada, do you notice any patterns?

Framing QuestionWhy does the Old Fort Erie contribute to the identity and image of Canada?

• Why was the Old Fort built?• What benefits do communities have for building forts?• Do all communities need to have forts?• Does every area of Canada have a fort• Do all countries around the world have forts?• Do all the forts in Canada look the same?• Why would Canada need to build forts?

AnswersWhy does the Old Fort Erie contribute to the identity and image of Canada?Fort Erie was not a fort for war purposes to begin with. It was a shipping port and a supply depot. This would encourage more people to settle in the surround areas. Building Old Fort Erie affected the image of this area of Canada.

Why was the Old Fort built?The fort was built in 1764 following the conclusion of the French and Indian War (Seven Years War) (Government of Ontario, 2013). At this time, the British gained control of all of New France from the French (Government of Ontario, 2013). Aside from being erected as a British defense of their newly acquired territory, the fort also acted as a ship port and a supply depot (Government of Ontario, 2013).

What benefits do forts provide for surrounding communities?The primary benefit is that forts provide protection from invasion (Government of Ontario, 2013). However, other benefits include the ability to use forts as ports for ships and supply depots due to the proximity to water (Government of Ontario, 2013). For example, during the American Revolution, Fort Erie was used as a supply depot for British troops (Government of Ontario, 2013).

AnswersDo all communities need to have forts?Not all communities need to have a fort. Forts were built for protection from invasions (Government of Ontario, 2013). The communities that did not have fighting and war did not require protection. That gives a clue about how Canada was in war before it was called ‘Canada’. Canada has been involved in a long history of war before becoming a country.

Does every area of Canada have a fort?Every province and territory in Canada has a fort (Government of Ontario, 2013). . The fort style and type depend upon the area it was built and the time it was built in. Since every area in Canada has a fort, forts help shape the image and identity of Canada.

Do all the forts in Canada look the same?The forts in Canada differ in appearance. The same materials are used in each fort. They use stone for the walls and most have wooden stakes integrated into the fort. The forts have the same basic layout where they are each designed to keep enemies from invasions (Government of Ontario, 2013). In general the forts have outposts for soldiers to be able to defend the enemies attacking. Different areas of Canada have different styles of forts; this depends on the time it was built and the location. (ie. A fort on the water will look different than one inland).

Books

A great resource exploring the significant battles of the War of 1812. The use of illustrations and historical photography in addition to the age-appropriate discussions of the war in the Niagara region is of great use.

A great, age-appropriate fictional interpretation regarding the life of a young American boy living in Sackets Harbour, New York during a British invasion in the War of 1812. This story depicts an alternate view of the war through an American perspective.

A great, age-appropriate fictional interpretation regarding the life of a young man in Upper Canada who is drawn into the War of 1812 as a British soldier. Emphasis on the hardships of being a soldier during significant battles occurring in the Niagara region are discussed.

Where to use it?

• Teaching about fortification and forts.• Any grade will benefit from this as the

questions start out easy and increase in difficulty.

• It will be more authentic if there is a fort near by so students can relate to the topic.